Adjective: antimicrobial ,an-tee,mI'krow-bee-ul
- Capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microorganisms
"The antimicrobial soap helped prevent infections";
- antimicrobic
- An agent (as heat, radiation or a chemical) that destroys microorganisms that might carry disease
"The hospital used a powerful antimicrobial to sterilize surgical instruments";
- disinfectant, germicide, antimicrobic
Derived forms: antimicrobials
See also: healthful
Type of: agent
Encyclopedia: Antimicrobial